"A great magazine cover has to have (at least) three things: impact (the "hey, look at me" factor), intrigue (the "now you've seen me, aren't you just dying to find out what I'm all about?" factor), and imagination (the "And hell aren't I creatively interesting, don't you just want to show me off on your desk or coffee table" factor). Score all three and you've got a winner."

I-Hsien Sherwood

Editor, Campaign US

"The best covers capture a moment in time—they’re newsworthy and culturally relevant, with a clear focal point that draws eyes from afar. They are bold or minimalist, but avoid gimmickry and target an audience wider than a magazine’s usual readership. They stand on their own as art."

David Droga

Creative Chairman, Droga5

"A great cover is like a spectacular first kiss."

Jonathan Mildenhall

CMO, Airbnb

"Hello boys and girls. ‘Think Big’. The challenge for a great cover is the same today as it has always been: we need a bold creative idea, that works telegraphically with immaculate execution. Ask yourself… is it share worthy? Then ask yourself what can you do to make it poster worthy? Whatever current trends, covers and posters are still, by far, the most challenging media to crack. But, get it right, and they are also the most rewarding."

Lauren Sallata

CMO, Panasonic

Pete Krainik

Founder and CEO, The CMO Club

"A cover must catch the eye and interest of your target audience. Know your audience and create interest through their eyes."

Stephanie Anderson

CMO, Ai Media Group

"What makes an awesome, impactful front cover? Creating curiosity. When you see it, you are curious and intrigued wanting to understand the artwork or copy, all the while, wondering what treasures are inside."